When I was going to college, I was part of a group that we called "The
Nerima Wrecking Crew." (stick with me on this, I do have a point)
One of the girls fit the Ukyo mold to perfection, look, attitude and
all. A guy in the group acted just like Kuno, another guy fit perfect
for Ryoga (in love, not direction sense), another girl had Akane's
temperment and build (she was blond though), and one of the guys was
blind as a bat without his glasses and was constantly pining after the
oriental girls at college. For fun, we began 'nicknaming' others who
weren't part of the gag, such as the head of the Institute of Religion
became "Principle Kuno," and this elder missionary couple got branded
with Happosai and Cologne. (I don't think they knew what we were
talking about... probably still don't.)
I'm making my point, wait for it.
So anyway, we had great fun giving people these nicknames, but the
question remained...who was Ranma?
Then they all looked at me.
I hadn't received a nickname, even though nearly ever cast member had
been accounted for by that point. I laughed it off and said, "Oh, I'd
be Daisuke or Hiroshi!"
Almost to the point, be patient.
We've all moved on now, only a few of us still keep in contact with each
other, but I've begun to wonder if I should have kept the Ranma title
after all. Not about martial arts, but social skills. I've noticed
that I have some things in common with the character, such as the
propensity to open my mouth before my brain has a chance to say, "HEY
DUMMY! THAT'S A STUPID THING TO SAY, DON'T SAY IT!"
So here I am, only a few posts in as an active member of the list and
I've already made myself look like a total idiot by A.) contradicting
myself, and B.) insulting about half the list.
<sigh> Yes, the bulk of people who've replied to my most recent post
about the Jin Lu Zi Lao fic are right. Here's me hoping to avoid
further posts in that regard.
Thinking back, I don't recall a time when Ranma said anything about
hitting girls or not. He simply doesn't take Akane seriously. Yes,
Ranma is usually "punked" (as Tarou put it) by each of his major enemies
at least once before he bounces back and creams 'em. I may have been a
/bit/ heavy handed about the SI remarks, but I stand by the principle of
them.
Hmmm... these words need salt.
And mustard.